Moments

Monday was a big day in my great state and I am still recovering from all of the inaugural events and activities. You know me, I am secretly a closet recluse and would have been especially content watching all of the festivities at home on television in my lululemons.

Never mind the bitter cold and wet snow, this would be the last time that I would have a front (third) row seat to watch a person being sworn in as governor, or get to walk down the hard, stone steps of the Capitol for a Gubernatorial Inauguration, or attend a Gubernatorial Ball as (with) a V.I.P…..so, I ended up taking (was forced by the Senator to take) advantage of this prime opportunity.

In the process, there were some fun moments… like gathering in the Senate chamber prior to the ceremony.

Judging by his smile, the Senator knew I was soaking in the moment, because the Senate chamber is typically off-limits unless you are a member or there for a specific purpose.

I also got to see so many of the wives that I just adore and only run into on occasions such as this. I love these women. We have a bond. Especially when you are standing in line together on marble stairs waiting to walk outside into sub-zero temperatures.

While we were waiting around, I took a photo of the American flag which had been lowered out of respect for the recent tragedy in Arizona.

Seeing the flag lowered and remembering the events of that day caused me to stop and think about this particular ceremony in a somber way.

Here we were, getting ready to walk out onto a public platform to officially swear in the new leadership of our state. Couldn’t some crazy person just as easily be out there in the crowd about to commit the same crime against humanity?

I also realized, possibly at that very moment, that the Senator and I were both in attendance and if something horrific like that were to occur, it was also possible that our children could be orphaned. I did not enjoy these thoughts, but to have ignored them would have been prudent and dishonest.

So, I focused on the massive amount of security, the bomb sniffing dogs, the servicemen and women right behind me with weapons and what I would do if something like that did happen. I am always looking for the best possible escape route! Did I mention the massive amount of security?

Suddenly I became very fond of my third row seat, all nice and snug and crammed in amongst several hundred dignitaries. Well, that and the servicemen and women behind me with guns.

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to meet one of the service women from the Oklahoma Air National Guard while we were waiting inside. She had served a tour in Afghanistan and came to the Capitol with a bracelet she had purchased at a market there. She wanted to give it to the Senate Pro Temp’s wife for one of her grandchildren.

Now, the Senate Pro Temp’s wife Paula, is a wonderful lady and a friend of mine. We have gotten to know each other as our paths have crossed at these type events and venues. The Senate is one big, happy family like that and as I have mentioned before, Senator’s wives have a special bond. So, when the Guardsman (woman) offered Paula the bracelet, she walked her over to me suggesting that her grandchildren would probably fight over it, but our daughter might love it.

Paula has met the Senator’s daughter before. And, while she probably doesn’t remember seeing the numerous layers of bracelets that constantly adorn her arms, I assured her she was correct in her thinking. What a special moment.

So, I took a photo… which is not necessarily like me.

And, then it was time to move it on outside……Brrrrrr.

Good thing I had my gloves with me…..even if they were from different sets and for the same hand.

And I really wanted to give them to my new friend in the Guard because she stood outside in full dress uniform, as they all did, for over an hour and a half without a coat or gloves.